ST. ANDREW'S COLLEGE

HANDBOOK FOR PREFECTS

A Message from the Headmaster

I am very happy to avail of this opportunity to welcome you all to the role of Prefect in St. Andrew's College.  I appreciate the interest you have shown in the organisation of College life by agreeing to undertake the duties involved.  I know you will carry out these duties to the best of your ability and I hope you will all benefit greatly from the experience of being a prefect.

Like most organisations, St. Andrew's depends on the work of individuals and groups of people who ensure that all the different areas of the school operate efficiently.  You are now members of the administration team and your active participation in its work is essential to its success.

Remember that the other team members will always be available to help you deal with any problems which you may encounter.  Remember also that, as a Prefect, you are in the position of being a role model for other students and should make every effort to ensure that your behaviour reflects your awareness of the fact.

You have volunteered, been accepted and trained for the position of Prefect in St. Andrew's College.  This is an important event in your personal and public life.  It is an expression of our confidence in your ability and your integrity.  You should be proud of the honour which this represents, as we are proud of you for accepting it.

Arthur Godsil
Headmaster

WELCOME ON BOARD!

Besides the honour of being selected as a Prefect, this may be your first opportunity to develop your own talents as a leader and manager.

You will quickly learn that you need a variety of skills o deal with the host of situations you encounter: when to be firm, when to call on higher authority (and when not), when to be humorous and when to be serious, when to be kind and tolerant, when to be sensitive and understanding.

The most profound lesson you can learn is to treat each person with respect.  This will show in the manner you adopt when giving instructions; in how helpful you are when dealing with a question or request for information; in being fair to all; in thanking people when they are helpful to you.

Giving orders to your peers requires a lot of tact.  You must be prepared to encounter some feelings of resentment, envy and opposition to you in your role as Prefect.  The worst thing you can do is to flaunt your authority, or adopt a heavy approach, particularly to those who are your peers.

The experience you gain in dealing with situations that may arise during your term as Prefect will be useful to you for the rest of you life.  Be patient with yourself.  You will make mistakes.  This is how you learn!

Besides the personal satisfaction derived from learning new skills you will find that many employers value such qualities.  If you can manage people successfully at this early stage in your life it is a good indicator of future abilities.  You should make a point of including in your CV, and mentioning at interviews, that you have served as a school Prefect.

Thank you for giving of yourself and your time to St. Andrew's.  We all look forward to working with you.

B. Duff and the
Senior College Administration Team

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU

This section deals with the obligations and duties involved in being a Prefect.

As a Prefect, you are expected to assist in the efficient running of the school and t present a positive role model to your fellow students.  At times this may run counter to your personal inclinations.  Please consider your actions carefully.  We hope that you can combine your duties with the opportunity presented here to develop your leadership skills.

If you are having difficulties with your position as Prefect, please discuss it with one of us.  Do not create a situation whre you or we feel that you ought to resign your position

Prefects will be required to involve themselves in a number of areas which include the following:

• To help, organise and set an example to other students
  
• To assist with the introduction of First Year pupils into the College
  
• To represent the College at, and assist in the organisation of official functions
  
• To help organise The School Council
  
• To supervise and lead a team with responsibility for assisting in the supervision of the all house areas, the Senior Hall, the Dining Area and main corridor areas
  
• To monitor behaviour of students and discourage litter
  
• To prevent the abuse of facilities - graffiti, smoking, etc.
  
• To supervise dinner queues and organise students to clean up after dinner and break
  
• To assist in the general organisation of the day to day administration of the College
  
• To work with the teachers to improve the Prefect system and assess the contribution made my members of the team, giving recommendations for future Prefects
  
• To support the headmaster and staff in effecting any reasonable requests designed to promote the harmonious organisation of the College

SOME HELPFUL HINTS

• Talk to people, be friendly and helpful as this induces a positive response from most people
  
• Be firm in your instructions.  If you know why you are giving orders, you automatically convey a sense of security
  
• Always thank people when they are helpful

DEALING WITH A DIFFICULT PUPIL

• NEVER use physical force...even when severely provoked, as this can easily lead to major confrontation.  It also makes it difficult for us to give you support at a later stage
  
• KNOW when to seek help.  In the long run your authority will be enhanced
  
• REFUSE to be intimidated.  A gang of Junior Pupils can be formidable
  opposition when you are on your own.  Talk your way out of such situations by engaging one particular student in conversation and the rest will tend to stand and listen
  
• TREAT everybody fairly.  You cannot expect a Junior Student to clean tables while others are not asked.  Avoid picking easy  targets - e.g. First Years or difficult pupils,  when unpleasant work has to be done
  
• SUPPORT your companions when they are being hassled.  Humour is often very effective means of defusing a nasty situation
  
• DEVELOP your own style.  What works for one Prefect may not work for you.  Find out what works for you and do it

IDENTIFICATION

Your Prefect's badge distinguishes you in your office.  Please keep it carefully and wear it when you are in school.  It will help both staff and pupils to know to whom they may turn for help when the need arises.

NO SMOKING

On the 1st of May 1990, the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protect) Regulations came into effect.  These regulations prohibit smoking in primary and secondary schools, including the school grounds.

We ask you, as a Prefect, to assist us, firstly, by observing these regulations yourself and secondly, by ensuring that students in the school do not smoke.  If you are a smoker, we would encourage you to kick the habit.  If you find that you cannot manage that, please do not smoke in or near the school.  Look at the medical evidence: cigarettes are addictive and their harmful effects are cumulative.

The Government has taken a strong stand on Tobacco and we feel that we have an obligation to support that stand by our actions in St. Andrew's College.

PREFECTS DUTIES

Two Head Prefects in each form will be expected to prepare a duty roster for Prefects in their form.  Copies of this roster should be provided to the Form Teacher and to the 6th Year Office.  Each form will be assigned a particular area with specific duties.

GENERAL DUTIES OF INDIVIDUAL PREFECTS

At all times Prefects are expected to monitor the following:

LITTER

To see there is none!  To require students to put litter in bins.  To keep 6th Year Center tidy.

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

To monitor behaviour of students in general on corridors and on school grounds.  To report any misbehaviour to Form Teacher or Senior College Team.

DUTY AREAS

AREA 1 - Senior Hall and Outside Library

2 Prefects required at Break-time:          11:30 - 11:50
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time:            1:10 - 1:30
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time:            1:30 - 1:50

1 Prefect should be present in the Senior Hall to monitor 1st Year students and see that all litter is put in bins provided.  One Prefect should be on duty outside the library.

The main duties here are to keep the whole area free of bags and to make sure students do not leave the Dining Hall with hot food.

AREA 2 - Dining Hall

2 Prefects required at Break-time:          11:30 - 11:50
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time:             1:10 - 1:30
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time:             1:30 - 1:50

Duties include monitoring behaviour of students, encouraging them to put rubbish in the bins, leave trays back to the counter and to see that the area is left in a tidy state.

AREA 3 - Gate Duty

1 Prefect required at the Top Gate at Break-time
1 Prefect required at the Bottom Gate at Break-time

1 Prefect required at the Top Gate at Lunch-time (1)
1 Prefect required at the Top Gate at Lunch-time (2)

1 Prefect required at the Bottom Gate at Lunch-time (1)
1 Prefect required at the Bottom Gate at Lunch-time (2)

Prefects should ensure that only 6th Year students leave school grounds during Lunch/Break.  Any other student leaving school must have an exeat from their Form Teacher.  Prefects should take names of any students leaving school grounds without permission and give names of offending students to a member of the Senior College team for processing.

AREA 4 - House Areas 1 and 2

2 Prefects required at Break-time
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time (1)
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time (2)

Duties include monitoring behaviour of students in that area and ensuring that all rubbish is placed in bins provided.  Hot foods are not allowed in this area.

AREA 5 - 3rd House Room and Classrooms 70-75

2 Prefects required at Break-time
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time (1)
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time (2)

Duties include monitoring behaviour of students in that area and ensuring that all rubbish is placed in bins provided.  Hot foods are not allowed in this area.  Please do not forget to supervise the outside area.

AREA 6 - 3th House Area and Classrooms 76-79

2 Prefects required at Break-time
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time (1)
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time (2)

Duties include monitoring behaviour of students in that area and ensuring that all rubbish is placed in bins provided.  Hot foods are not allowed in this area. 

AREA 7 - 5th House Area and Classrooms 80-83

2 Prefects required at Break-time
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time (1)
2 Prefects required at Lunch-time (2)

Duties include monitoring behaviour of students in that area and ensuring that all rubbish is placed in bins provided.  Hot foods are not allowed in this area.  Please do not forget to supervise the outside area.

It is vital that each Prefect takes his/her duties very seriously and is present in the designated area at the appropriate time.  Should a Prefect be unable to carry out their duty on a particular day, he/she must arrange cover by another Prefect so that no area is left unsupervised.

HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE PREFECT

• A time commitment  is required - remember you only get out what you put in.
  
• Show dedication to the job - don't forget to turn up on time, to do your duty.
  
• Take your duties seriously - be proud of your role, then others will take you seriously.
  
• You are a role model for other students - remember how you used to look up to Seniors when you were a Junior?
  
• Teamwork is what it is all about - keep your Form Teacher informed about how you are getting on; support fellow Prefects who may be experiencing difficulty.
  
• Be observant - now you are a Senior Student, the staff rely on you to notice any problems around the school and bring them to our attention.  Perhaps you might notice bullying, a student being teased, victimised or just constantly alone.
  
• Having confidence - if you approach people with a friendly smile and genuine concern, you will be more effective.
  

PLEASE REMEMBER - Your Form Teachers and Senior Team are here to support you in your work as Prefect.  If you have any difficulties with a student please report this to us and enter your report in the Prefect Incident Book in the 6th Year office.

PREFECTS AS MENTORS

In addition to your duties of monitoring students in the school, you will also be asked to act as a Mentor to the First Year students entering St. Andrew's College next September.  This is a most important duty and one which can have a very positive effect on the school life of your protégé.

First Year in Secondary School Can Be:

• Frightening - Sheer size of the building
• Lonely - Making friends can be difficult
• Tiring - Length of the day
• Confusing - Changing classrooms all day
• Embarrassing - If they are bigger or smaller than others

Mentors Need To Be:

• Friendly
• Encouraging
• Good Listeners
• Patient
• Approachable
• Good-humoured
• Trustworthy
• Reliable

Perhaps the two most important ingredients for an effective Mentor are:

• A genuine interest and commitment to you First Year students.
  
• Reliability - our research tells us that First Year students feel very disillusioned when, after a warm welcome from their Mentor, they rarely see him/her again.

Remember that a First Year student is bombarded with many demands on starting into secondary school.  They must first learn to adjust to a new teacher every forty minutes, a new layout of classrooms, not to mention the long school day.

As a Mentor, you can be invaluable in helping them settle into St. Andrew's.  There is nothing more reassuring for a nervous First Year student than a big brother or sister figure who knows the ropes and can advise them on how to handle the challenges of First Year life.

Important Contact Times

1. First Year Assessment Day - this takes place in the Summer Term and is an important occasion for Mentors.  This is when you meet the First Year student assigned to you, for the first time.
   
2. August - a friendly follow up call letting them know you will be there for them on their first day.  Arrange a time and a place to meet - perhaps in the Assembly Hall, at morning break.
   
3. September thru December - your most important term as Mentor.  Please meet with your First Year student on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.

 

Suggested Areas To Explore

• Any problems with classes or teachers.
  
• Organisation - have they a copy of a timetable in their locker, over their desk at home and in their homework notebook?
  
• Locker - visit it with the student and help get it in order.
  
• Sports  - encourage the student to participate in at least one sport.  This is really important.  They more they participate in school life the more they will get out of it.
  
• Social Adjustment - if the First Year student has already attended St. Andrew's Prep School encourage them to include new students in their group.  If they are totally new to St. Andrew's College, try to introduce them to some other First Years in the Assembly Hall.

 

ANTI-BULLYING

Unfortunately, wherever a group of people are gathered, there is a risk of bullying.  As you can see from our Anti-Bullying Charter, we in St. Andrew's College are committed to creating an atmosphere of mutual respect for all our students.

As a Prefect, you can play  a vital role in helping to monitor behaviour which makes others feel hurt or anxious.

There are five main forms of bullying:

1. Verbal - name calling, labelling and taunting.
   
2. Physical - pushing, tripping and hitting.
   
3. Psychological - spreading rumours and whispering.
   
4. Extortion - demanding that a student hands over possessions
   
5. Exclusion - refusing to include a student in conversations or ostracising him/her from the group.

The level of unhappiness caused by this anti-social behaviour is difficult to imagine if you have never been bullied yourself.  Research shows that the sadness and anxiety are significantly greater where the bullying is psychological and when it involves social exclusion and spreading rumours about the victim.

We believe that every student in the College has two basic rights:

(1)  The right to learn in a safe environment free from disruptive behaviour.

(2)  The right to be comfortable and be oneself without fear of rejection or derision.

 

What You Can Do:

1. Keep your eyes and ears open!  Watch our for the telltale signs of bullying especially when you are on duty.
   
2. Name it!  Feel free to intervene if you think that a student is being victimised.  Talk to those involved, see if you can help solve the problem.
   
3. Tell your Form Teacher or any member of the team.  Name those involved and discuss the next step.  The Form Teachers of the victims and perpetrators should be informed.
   
4. If you are concerned about particular students, talk to them or to their Form Teachers.

 

Useful Exploratory Questions:

• Do your friends ever give you a hard time?  In what way?
  
• Do your friends or others ever make fun of you?
  
• Do you ever get left out on purpose or feel you are excluded by a group?
  
• How often does it happen?
  
• Do people ever spread rumours about you?
  
• Does anyone stand up for you if people make fun of you?
  
• Who are your friends?
  
• Who do you talk to if you have a problem?

 

ANTI-BULLYING CHARTER

• Every pupil in St. Andrew's College has the right to enjoy his or her learning and leisure free from intimidation, both in the school and in the surrounding community.
  
• Our school community will not tolerate any unkind actions or remarks, even if  these were not intened to hurt.
  
• Pupils should support each other by reporting all instances of bullying.
  
• Bullying will be taken very seriously.
  
• We are a "telling" school - bullying is too important to ignore.